Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Music Time will be aimed at The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, with trainer Gratz Vella choosing the $2 million country feature over the Group 1 Golden Rose.
The Golden Slipper placegetter is being set for the 1200-metre race at Royal Randwick on October 17, held on The Everest race day, as Vella maps a patient spring path.
The plan comes as other spring targets take shape, with Hard Kick eyeing the Coolmore Stud Stakes after a sharp Werribee jumpout.
Vella Chooses Country Feature
Vella said The Kosciuszko was too attractive to ignore for a country-based stable.
“The Kosciuszko is a $2 million race for country horses and that is hard for a battling bush trainer like me to ignore,” Vella told Racing And Sports.
“So, we are trying to plan for him to get to The Kosciuszko. We will see how the horse is over the next month and might look at a three-year-old lead-up race.”
Music Time is second favourite in TAB Fixed Odds betting for The Kosciuszko at $8, behind Torque To Be Sure at $6.
He is also listed at $26 for the $1 million Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens on September 26, where Golden Slipper winner Guest House heads betting at $4.50.
“I just think the Golden Rose might be a bit early for him,” Vella revealed.
Slipper Form Stands Up
Music Time won three of his five starts as a juvenile, including an all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes at Canberra.
That win pushed connections to pay the $150,000 late entry fee for the Golden Slipper, where he finished third and earned $425,000.
“He’s been back in a month, he’s grown and put on some weight which is what you would expect,” Vella said.
“He’s doing everything right.”
Music Time finished behind Guest House and Streisand in the Golden Slipper, with that form later boosted by Campione D’Italia and Fireball.
“The form around Music Time is super,” Vella enthused.
“It’s exciting to think what is ahead for him next season.”
Official racing updates are available through Racing NSW.
